Director of Leadership Program

University of Colorado • Colorado Springs, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Leadership Programs provides strategic leadership, vision, and administrative oversight for UCCS’s student leadership development portfolio. The role establishes strategic direction, drives program growth and innovation, advances assessment and performance outcomes, cultivates philanthropic support, and promotes the operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability of programs including the Chancellor’s Leadership Class (CLC), UCCSlead, and Clyde’s 5. The Director leads organizational and strategic planning, oversees substantial human, financial, and programmatic resources, and builds collaborative partnerships across the university and with alumni, donors, and community stakeholders. The position advances leadership development in alignment with divisional and institutional priorities and uses data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement to strengthen student success, retention, leadership development, scholarship stewardship, and institutional impact.

The Director provides oversight for leadership programs, retreats, seminars, mentoring programs, coursework, workshops, advisory board activities, Days of Service, and related initiatives. The role includes staff supervision, fiscal and scholarship administration, assessment, program development, risk management, and advancement efforts. The ideal candidate brings energy, enthusiasm, and strong presentation and facilitation skills to create engaging programs that combine education and entertainment to maximize student learning and participation. Regular participation in evening and weekend activities is an important part of the role.

This position is primarily campus-based and focused on connecting with students, colleagues, and the community. It is exempt from FLSA overtime provisions and is currently funded for five years, with an extension likely to continue beyond the initial term. The salary range is $70,544–$85,000 annually, with compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. The tentative start date is February 1, 2027.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience supporting or leading initiatives in higher education, student affairs, leadership development, or a related organizational setting.
• Demonstrated experience directing and implementing strategic initiatives, including supervising professional staff, managing budgets, cultivating partnerships, and using assessment, organizational planning, and data to inform decisions.
• Experience supporting fundraising, donor relations, advisory boards, or advancement activities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing significant fundraising initiatives, scholarship programs, or endowments, or collaborating with advancement professionals to cultivate philanthropic support and steward donor relationships.
• Experience leading a comprehensive leadership development portfolio, department, or functional area within higher education.
• Experience developing high-performing teams and building partnerships with community organizations, alumni, donors, and other external stakeholders.
• Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Experience with leadership certificate programs, scholarship programs, student leadership education, civic engagement initiatives, honors programs, or leadership cohort models.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and establish a strategic vision for Leadership Programs that promotes student leadership development, engagement, and success.
• Establish long-range goals and annual priorities aligned with divisional and institutional priorities.
• Manage resources and fiscal responsibilities, including budget planning, analysis, resource allocation, stewardship, and oversight of operating, scholarship, endowed, and fundraising funds.
• Foster a supportive workplace climate that encourages employee professional development and continuous improvement.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional staff and student employees; set performance expectations, accountability measures, and staffing plans.
• Ensure staff and programs respond to emerging trends, best practices, and changes in student demographics and expectations.
• Develop, review, and revise departmental policies and procedures to support effective operations, risk management, and institutional alignment.
• Represent Leadership Programs at campus events, university committees, community engagements, and other programs.
• Lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive portfolio of student leadership programs and initiatives.
• Oversee the Chancellor’s Leadership Class, UCCSlead, Clyde’s 5, retreats, seminars, mentoring programs, coursework, workshops, advisory board activities, Days of Service, and other initiatives.
• Oversee the CLC scholarship application and selection process and ensure effective scholarship program administration.
• Assess student interests and needs related to leadership development and engagement, and adjust programs and services accordingly.
• Develop and implement multi-year plans, measurable program goals and objectives, and student learning outcomes.
• Use participation, assessment, and student success data to guide program development, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain assessment and reporting processes to evaluate program effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
• Provide leadership development opportunities, coaching, and advising to support student growth, engagement, and success.
• Promote accessible leadership development opportunities and pathways for students with a broad range of experiences and perspectives.
• Support student placement and engagement in leadership opportunities across campus.
• Monitor local and national trends and best practices in student leadership development and engagement, and adjust departmental strategies and programs as appropriate.
• Lead advancement and development efforts that support program sustainability and growth, including donor cultivation, scholarship fundraising, and stewardship.
• Ensure appropriate risk management, compliance, accountability, and operational effectiveness across departmental programs and activities.
• Participate in campus and community events supporting student leadership, engagement, and success, including evenings and weekends as appropriate.
• Support day-to-day departmental operations during staffing shortages and campus emergency response efforts as appropriate.
• Foster collaborative relationships across campus and partner with campus and divisional leadership on university-wide leadership development, student engagement, and student success initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison to University Advancement, the CLC Community Advisory Board, and other university and community stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, community partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen programs and expand student opportunities.
• Serve on campus and university committees and participate in strategic initiatives related to leadership development, student engagement, and student success.
• Advise divisional leadership on trends, opportunities, and strategies related to student leadership development and engagement.
• Develop cross-functional partnerships that leverage institutional resources and advance divisional and university priorities.

Benefits

• 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, and 13 recognized holidays.
• Bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI leave provisions.
• Medical plans with preventive care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit.
• Dental and vision plans and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement options.
• Twelve waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus.
• Wellness programs and additional benefits through CU Advantage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director